Slot machine arm switch controller

Abstract

In a reel-type slot machine, indicia (reel spin time, reel spin speed, sound, lights, etc.) are varied based on the manner in which the handle is operated. Microswitches are provided to start and stop a timer circuit such that the time required for the handle's rotation can be measured. The game microprocessor looks up the set of values in a ROM table which correspond to the measured timing interval and then implements those values.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A reel-type slot machine comprising: a) a plurality of slot reels rotatable about a common axis through a fixed number of stop positions, each reel having viewable symbols located thereon;   b) a handle for initiating the spinning of the reels;   c) means for measuring the time interval for the handle to rotate through a predetermined arc; and   d) means for spinning and stopping the reels to display a set of symbols to the player including means for changing the spin time, spin speed and stop time as a function of the measured time interval.   
     
     
       2. The reel-type slot machine of claim 1 wherein said means for measuring includes a pair of microswitches which are activated by said handle as it is operated by the player. 
     
     
       3. The reel-type slot machine of claim 2 wherein said means for measuring further includes a timer circuit for measuring a time interval between the activations of said microswitches. 
     
     
       4. The reel-type slot machine of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of lights which flash as a function of the measured time interval. 
     
     
       5. The reel-type slot machine of claim 1 further comprising a sound system for playing music at a tempo related to the measured time interval.